SHEFFIELD, England – Aliona Savchenko has aggravated an injury to her left thigh in training and will not defend her pairs title with Robin Szolkowy at the European figure skating championships.
The German pair, who have won three world titles, were favourites to capture a fifth European title in six years in Sheffield, England this week.
However, the injury that Savchenko sustained in a fall on a throw jump in practice in Germany on Jan. 12 flared up when she performed a pair spin hours before the start of the short program on Wednesday.
Germany team doctor Stefan Pfrengle says “she is in pain and unable to perform all elements” and expects Savchenko to be out of action for five to seven days.
